Karl Heinz Englet - German
Karl Heinz Englet - Member of the World Paddle Awards Academy
Karl Heinz Englet (left) is one of the most prominent event organisers in the world of paddlesports.
Hailing from Augsburg, where the first World Paddle Awards were held, Karl Heinz played an instrumental role as the local organiser. His experience, commitment and enthusiasm for event coordination has seen him become one of the most sought after organisers for paddlesport events.
When it was announced that Munich was to host the 1972 Olympic Games, Karl Heinz initiated the effort to bring the canoe slalom event to his hometown, Augsburg. In doing so he secured the construction of the ‘Eiskanal,’ the first simulated wild water area in the world. Karl Heinz was then given the honour of being the last torch bearer for these Olympic Games, where he lit up the Olympic fire on Eiskanal to start the competition in Augsburg.
Following the 1972 Olympic Games the Augsburg Eiskanal became one of the leading whitewater stadiums in the world and has served as the prototype for six Olympic whitewater venues, from 1992 through 2012, and for more than fifty training and competition facilities in eighteen countries. It has also hosted two World Championships, two European Championships and countless World Cup races, all of which Karl Heinz was an organiser for.
His commitments don’t stop there. Karl Heinz Englet has been instrumental in the organisation of all national and international canoe events in Augusburg since 1972. He also played a major part in the coordination of the 2011 Downriver Sprint World Championships, 2012 Canoe Slalom European Championships and 20 canoe slalom World Cups. On top of this, at the 2003 World Championships and 2012 European Championships in canoe slalom Karl Heinz organised the opening ceremonies with 4,000 and 2,000 guests respectively.
The paddlesports world has greatly benefited from Karl Heinz Englet’s expertise, professionalism and enthusiasm for event management and organisation of canoe slalom and downriver events.
